The Catnapping

Ngah!

What's up, Rumino?

Are you hungry? You seem to be begging.

Ah, look at that, it's time for food.

Bivette!

Bivette, it's terrible news! Please, I need help!

Calm down, calm down! Take a deep breath! In...out...in...out!

In...out... S-Sorry dearie. I got all worked up...

Hey, Aldo. This elderly woman is our cat-friend.

Cat...friend?

Hey! This isn't the time for chit-chat! My beautiful little kitty, she's been catnapped!

What?!

Well... Two days ago, my dear kitty left the house, and hasn't been back since. And then this morning, I received this letter!

This... Is this a ransom letter?

"I have your cat. If you want her back unharmed, bring your red crystals to the Nuaru Uplands." "If you try anything funny, your cat will suffer for it."

This will not do! Who would do this to a poor, defenseless kitty!

Grrr!

Rumino! You're angry too, right? Miss Kitty is a close friend. Okay, then it's decided. We have to go to the Nuaru Uplands!

Bivette, wait. I know how you feel, but if we go charging in something might happen to the cat!

Hmph, you may be right. But we have to do something.

We need leverage. Let's bring the red crystals with us for the ransom.

Hmm... But Aldo, those red crystals are luxury items, you know?

I...I... I don't have many luxuries like that...

I know! You can sometimes find red crystals in Moonlight Forest!

Okay. Let's head to Moonlight Forest. With a bit of luck, we'll be able to get the crystals we need!

Yes! You wait here, granny! We'll get your kitty back for you!

Mrraow!

Aldo, look!

Red crystals? Yes! Way to go, Rumino!

Meow!

Now to save kitty! To the Nuaru Uplands!

But watch out. The catnapper might just take the crystals and run...

I...hadn't thought of that.

I have an idea! We take out the crystals...

And done! Mwahaha! I'm a genius!

Erm... What have you done?

Heheh! That's for me to know, and you to find out! Okay, now I think we're ready to head to the Nuaru Uplands!

Meow!

Hey! Stop right there!

Ah! Kitty!

Meow! Meow!

Meeeow!

How do you know about this cat? Are you friends of the old woman? Hey, where is she?!

I'm the old woman's friend! I'm here to get her cat back!

Hah! Well then... I think you have something for me! If you value the life of this kitty, that is!

Ugh, you coward! Cats should not be used like this! You're the worst!

Hahah! What are you talking about?! Now don't get any ideas, just hand over the crystals!

Very well. Bivette, the crystals.

Hmph... This isn't over!

Hahah! Yes! I got them! These are pretty high quality, too!

There! We gave you the crystals! Hand over the kitty!

Heheh, sorry, no can do. I think I might need a little more out of that old woman first!

Ah, he ran away! Hey, wait!

Wait, Bivette! Don't go off on your own!

Huh? Where'd he go? I lost him?!

Hahah! You've walked right into my trap! Now face the consequences!

Damn! He had us fooled from the start!

Ngggh! Now I'm really mad! I'll have you begging for mercy, not that I'll give you any!

Agh! Please, have mercy! This was just a phase, please! Wow, you're really strong. How about joining with me? I could split the crystals with you.

There's no reasoning with this guy. He's not sorry at all. What are you going to do, Bivette?

Just shut up and give me the kitty.

O-Okay!

Keep the crystals. However, if I ever hear you've done this kind of thing again...

Hey! Bivette!

Really? Thank you! Seriously, thank you! See ya!

That was unexpected. You were so mad, and you just forgave him.

It's fine. After all, he gave kitty back to us, safe and sound. Right, Rumino?

Meow.

Besides, hehehe! Naughty children will get their just desserts.

Gyagh! A monster! Wh-What's going on?! Don't come any closer!

Wh-What the... Was that the catnapper?!

Eheheh, well you see, I put a spell on the crystals that will attract monsters! As long as he holds on to those crystals, he'll be chased by endless hordes of monsters!

Ah, so that was your plan... Way to go, Bivette!

Aha! Let's just hope that guy learns his lesson. Okay! Let's get back to granny! I'm sure she'll be glad to see her kitty!

Agh! Help me! I'll be a good person, I promise!

Kitty! I'm so glad you're back safe!

Meow!

Hehe! I'm so happy for you! And your kitty seems happy, too!

Thank you so much, Bivette. I should repay you somehow.

No need, granny! You're my friend. I'm sure you'd do the same.

Really, thank you. I feel so much better now that my kitty is safe and sound.

Eheheh! Any time!

I'm so glad everything worked out. I'm sure that pets get as lonely as their owners when they're separated. Right? Aldo, you agree, don't you?

Right. After a while, they're less like pets, and more like family.

Exactly! Me and Rumino, we're real partners in crime!

Meow!

The bad guy also got what was coming to him. All round a good day!